Freight trains return to Kaikoura

An early morning ceremony was held this morning to mark the arrival of the first freight train to journey from Picton since Novembers 7.8 magnitude earthquake. The train continued on to Christchurch marking a significant milestone in the biggest rail rebuild since World War Two.

It is estimated that the freight trains will take nearly 2000 trucks a month off the roads, and will help streamline much of the rebuild related freight as the December deadline for reopening SH1 north to Picton approaches.